Jason Padgett, 31, is accused of first degree felony murder, which is a capital offense, felony child abuse and aggravated child abuse. He is being held in Brevard County jail.

Written by

Stacey Barchenger
FLORIDA TODAY

Jury selection is under way in the case against a Palm Bay man who officials said severely beat a toddler in his care and then went to play video games instead of seeking what could have been life-saving treatment for the boy.

Jason Padgett, 31, was arrested following the incident in April 2010. According to police documents, he claimed he bathed Aaden Batista before putting him down to bed, and the child fell off a toilet and hit his head.

But the county medical examiner said the 2-year-old's injuries were the result of being beaten, and reports indicate neighbors saw and heard Padgett abuse ...